• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Watch Learn Eat
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About Us
    • Resources
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipe Roundups

    17 Oil-Free Vegan Comfort Food Recipes

    Published: Feb 17, 2022 by Sherri Hall · This post may contain affiliate links.

    rectangular collage of 4 featured recipes with text title overlay.

    Did you know that you can make your favorite comfort foods not only vegan, but also without butter or oil? From a stack of fluffy pancakes to a hearty bowl of mac and "cheese" to a luscious chocolate cake, this collection of oil-free vegan recipes is pure comfort food!

    rectangular collage of 4 featured recipes with text title overlay.

    Why cook without oil?

    Oil is pure fat and has a high-calorie density.

    With that being said, some nutrition experts claim that certain oils are healthy while others believe all oils are unhealthy.

    Followers of the whole foods plant-based diet (WFPB) avoid oils entirely and
    focus on unprocessed or minimally processed foods.

    However, some vegans and vegetarians just want to reduce the amount of their oil intake whether or not they are strict WFPB eaters.

    Although I personally am not taking part in an oil-free diet, I do try to cut back on the amount of oil I use and try not to have oil as part of every meal.

    How to cook without oil

    There are a number of ways to cook (and bake) without using oil.

    Some recipes can simply be cooked in a non-stick pan or baked using non-stick bakeware without the use of any oil substitute.

    For sautéing veggies, you can use water, vegetable broth and even vegan white wine.

    Vegetable broth also works great for coating veggies before roasting them in the oven or for replacing the oil in gravies.

    Nuts can be dry-roasted or roasted with other liquids to keep them oil-free.

    Pureeing nuts, seeds and vegetables with water or plant-based milk is a great
    way to make sauces and vegan cheeses oil-free.

    Using nut butters or a nut flour (such as almond) in place of oil is one way to make baked goods oil-free.

    Fruit purees, such as banana or apple sauce, can also work to replace oil in baking recipes.

    Aquafaba (canned chickpea liquid), which is often used as an egg replacement in vegan baking, can also double as an oil replacement in certain recipes.

    Silken tofu also works to replace oil in a number of recipes such as vegan mayo.

    Of course, these are just some ideas for cooking and baking without oil.

    Oil-free vegan recipes

    We've compiled some amazing vegan comfort food recipes that are also oil-free from some of the best food bloggers including ideas for breakfast, lunch/dinner, and sweets.

    Breakfast

    Cheesy Vegan Tofu Scramble
    Scrambled eggs with cheese are a breakfast favorite and this vegan version made from tofu and nutritional yeast doesn't disappoint.
    Check out this recipe
    tofu eggs on a plate with a fork in it and some potatoes and toast behind it
    Vegan Biscuits and Gravy by A Plantiful Path
    When it comes to breakfast, a plate of biscuits and gravy is the ultimate comfort dish. This vegan version includes homemade vegan sausages.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead of serving of biscuits and gravy on a white plate with a fork.
    The Best Vegan French Toast Casserole by Shane & Simple
    This vegan French toast casserole takes French toast to a whole new level. Not only is it an eggless version of the comfort food favorite, but it's also topped with a mouthwatering cashew coconut icing.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead of French toast casserole in baking dish with icing on top.
    The Fluffiest Vegan Pancakes Ever by This Healthy Kitchen
    What's not to love about a stack of fluffy pancakes topped with ooey-gooey maple syrup? This tasty vegan version can be made in one bowl with just four ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    close-up view of stack of vegan pancakes with syrup dripping down the front.

    Lunch/Dinner

    Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup by Veggie Inspired
    Tomato soup is one of the most loved comfort food soups, especially when the weather is cold. This warming vegan version is perfect for the whole family, grownups and kids alike.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead of tomato soup in white bowl with another one partially in view behind it.
    Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese by Zardyplants
    I don't know about you, but when I think of comfort food, the first thing that comes to mind is mac and cheese. This vegan version features a panko bread crumb topping and can also be made gluten-free.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead of baked mac and cheese on a white plate with a fork.
    Red Lentil Bolognese
    Pasta with meat sauce gets a vegan makeover with this Bolognese sauce made with red lentils. This hearty sauce is perfect over your favorite pasta, gluten-free if needed.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead of pasta with sauce on plate garnished with parsley and with two forks to the right
    Vegan Pesto Pizza with Almond Ricotta by No Sweat Vegan
    Pizza is hands down a comfort food favorite among many. This vegan version is loaded with flavor, featuring marinara, pesto, almond ricotta, cherry tomatoes and basil.
    Check out this recipe
    hand taking a slice of vegan pesto pizza from the rest on a pizza stone.
    Sweet Potato and Kale Pot Pie by My Quiet Kitchen
    There's nothing like a savory pot pie to bring some comfort to the table. This vegan version features sweet potatoes, kale, soy curls and mushrooms for a flavorful and hearty meal.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead of pot pie with spoon in it scooping out some revealing the inside.
    Vegan Meatloaf with Gravy by A Virtual Vegan
    This vegan meatloaf is the perfect comfort food main course to pair with your favorite mashed potatoes. This vegan version features a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts and a savory gravy you'll want to smother all over it.
    Check out this recipe
    two slices of vegan meatloaf with gravy on plate with side dishes.

    Sweets

    Easy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls by Nutriciously
    If you've ever walked past that famous cinnamon roll shop in the mall and got a whiff of the cinnamony goodness, then you'll be happy to know that your kitchen can have all those glorious smells when you make this vegan version at home. These vegan cinnamon rolls also happen to be refined sugar-free.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead of cinnamon roll on a plate with a fork cutting into it.
    Vegan Chocolate Cake by My Pure Plants
    Not only is this decadent chocolate cake vegan, but it's also gluten-free! Chocolate cake and chocolate frosting combine for the ultimate chocolaty treat. Perfect for birthday celebrations or whenever you're in the mood for some cake.
    Check out this recipe
    slice of chocolate cake on a white plate with a fork cutting into it.
    White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies by Two City Vegans
    Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite among both kids and grownups. This vegan version features white beans and almond butter and is also gluten-free.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead of white bean chocolate chip cookies on a plate.
    3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies by Health My Lifestyle
    With only three simple ingredients, these banana oatmeal cookies are super easy to make. In this recipe, bananas double as an oil replacement and natural sweetener.
    Check out this recipe
    close-up overhead of banana oatmeal cookies on a white plate.
    Chocolate Donuts by The Vegan Monster
    These chocolate-glazed chocolate donuts are a chocolate lover's dream. And they're not only vegan, but also gluten-free.
    Check out this recipe
    hand holding vegan chocolate doughnut for a close-up.
    3-Ingredient Vegan Aquafaba Chocolate Mousse by Lavender and Macarons
    Chocolate mousse is always a delicious ending to any meal. This vegan version uses aquafaba to make it light and fluffy.
    Check out this recipe
    vegan chocolate mousse in glass with whipped topping and raspberry garnish.
    Strawberry Hemp Milkshake by the Honour System
    This strawberry hemp milkshake takes this classic drink to the next level with the addition of hemp seeds for protein. This vegan version is also refined sugar-free.
    Check out this recipe
    strawberry hemp milkshake in a glass with hemp seeds, straws, and strawberries around.

    More vegan recipe collections

    • 55 Vegan Air Fryer Recipes
    • 24 Silken Tofu Recipes
    • 30+ Best Vegan Sandwiches for Lunch
    • 22 Best High-Protein Vegan Meals
    • 25 GF & Vegan School Lunch Ideas
    • 42 Vegan Smoothies

    ©Watch Learn Eat. All content on this page is copyright protected and is not to be used or republished without prior permission. Images shown in this post are used with permission from the owner(s).

    You Might Also Enjoy...

    • What to Serve With Frittata: 30+ Best Side Dishes
    • 31 Best Frozen Foods to Make in the Air Fryer
    • 25 Best Vegan Casserole Recipes
    • 55+ Best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    close-up of blog author standing in kitchen holding a whisk.

    About Sherri

    Founder, Author, Recipe Developer, & Photographer

    With a lifelong passion for cooking, I specialize in creating easy meatless meals that are omnivore-approved!

    Learn more about me

    Popular

    • What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup: 25 Best Side Dishes
    • How to Buy and Store Avocados So They Last Longer
    • How Long Do Blueberries Last?
    • Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Affiliate Disclosures

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    This website generates income via ads.

    Copyright © 2023 Watch Learn Eat | Hall Media LLC